Bitcoin Retreats from $78,193 Open Amid Renewed Middle East Tensions

Bitcoin opened strongly at $78,192.98 on April 23, 2026—its highest since early February, up 2.4% from Wednesday—but pulled back to $77,464.56 by 7:10 a.m. ET as traders grew cautious over renewed Middle East tensions. The move caps a three-day rally sparked by anticipation of Iran peace talks on April 21 (open $75,854.80, up 2.7%, hitting $76,535) and President Trump’s indefinite U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension on April 22 (open $76,341.73, surging to $78,304.84). Ethereum followed suit, opening April 23 at $2,375.12 before slipping to $2,316.88. Short-term gains shine with BTC up 15.3% one-month, despite yearly -16.3% drag.